Subject

Advertising mogul, Conservative politician and local philanthropist. Born Walthamstow. His father died when Charles was 9 and his mother emigrated with her two sons to the States. Aged 13 he left home and after a variety of jobs, returned to Britain in 1906. He eventually set up his own advertising agency, Charles F. Higham Limited. His publicity skills were useful for wartime propaganda needs and he was knighted in 1921. MP for Islington South 1918-22. Published a number of books on advertising. Married 5 times. Died at home in Godstone Surrey. His son, the biographer Charles Higham, also led an interesting life, rather less conventional.

In the British Pathe film of the unveiling ceremony for the Islington war shrine Higham appears early on, just to the left of the lady in the white hat.